What does the Pareto Principle have to do with fundraising?
We oftentimes hear one say, that 80% of the gifts will come from 20% of the donors. Today, in fact, that is more like 90%/10%. But the Pareto Principle applies to much more than just donors and gifts.
Have you ever wondered, “why do I feel like I am spinning my wheels every day?” Well, it is a common question for sure.
Have you ever really taken a look at your day in your nonprofit? How much of your time is spent tending with interruptions and endless emails. What do you actually get accomplished at the end of the day? Most of what we do each day is useless and a waste of time. Are you actually postponing getting the hard stuff done in your day?
Stop and ask yourself, “What 20% of what I am doing is resulting in 80% of your desired outcome?” Use the Pareto Principle to help you get more done each day. Ask yourself as an Executive Director or fundraiser, “If this is the only thing I accomplish today, will I be satisfied with my day?” Use that information to compile a realistic to-do list with no more than two mission critical items each day. Call a donor, schedule a meeting…
Ask yourself throughout the day, “Am I inventing things to do to avoid the important?” How much time are you spending checking emails or using Facebook, no come on, you know you are!!! And, don’t multitask, stick to one project and do it well until it is done.
What should you be spending 80% of your time on and you have my permission to let everything else go!!!
For even greater results, a fundraising consultant can provide you with the targeted priority areas to focus on through conducting an objective analysis of your fundraising activities and efforts. And, they can keep you on task towards meeting your priorities. Whether it be a direct mail piece, the activities for a special event, or getting that grant proposal done on time. Let a pro, tell you which way is the best way to go.
80%/20% is not just for donors and how much they give, it is how you maximize your effectiveness and efficiency as a fundraiser in your nonprofit organization!
